Federal Grand Jury Subpoena Defense Lawyer

(855) 337-6836

 

Under the United States Constitution the fifth amendment requires that all Federal felonies be indicted by grand jury.  As a general rule, grand juries consist of 16 to 23 individuals.  “Probable cause” is the determination the grand juries make; and if probable cause is determined by a grand jury then a true bill is what is entered by the grand jury.  At the end of the day, true bill is not a finding of guilt or innocence.

A grand jury is a set of citizens that are composed of 16 to 23 individuals that are chosen by the courts; and grand juries sit for an extended period of time.  As a general rule, prosecutors use grand juries to conduct investigations.

During these investigations and during the grand jury power subpoenas maybe issued at the request of the government.  The subpoenaed materials are returned of the grand jury in order to further investigate any alleged crimes.

As a general rule there are two types of subpoenas. The first requires the deliverance of tangible evidence including documents, pictures, videos, etc. As a general this type of subpoena is referred to as a subpoena duces tecum. The second type of subpoena instructs someone actually testify before a grand jury. This type of subpoena is referred to as a subpoena ad testificandum.

As a general rule there are three ways to deal with a federal grand jury subpoena. First, one can comply with the subpoena and bring all the documents and or testify. Second, the individual or company can challenge the subpoena via motion of quash due to some loss set forth under the United States Army Take your state statute. Third, which is not a good choice, is ignoring a subpoena. Ignoring a subpoena can lead to a contempt charge.

Contact us to schedule a consultation here.